Historian - November 2008

I’ve traveled Route 4 to the Masonic Temple in Concord hundreds of times but not until recently did I realize that I was passing by an interesting landmark of history on the way.

Just after Northwood Lake and before you get to the Epsom Traffic Circle there is a hill on the left called McClary Hill. You may recognize the name as belonging to Andrew, famed Major in General Stark’s New Hampshire Regiment during the Revolutionary War. Andrew McClary’s heroism at the Battle of Bunker Hill was recognized in the naming of a fort located in Kittery, Maine.

Andrew and his older brother John McClary were sons of Andrew Sr., who had emigrated from Ireland in 1726 and settled in Nottingham. In 1739, the family moved to Epsom and settled on a large parcel of land that they called McClary Hill.

As heroic as Andrew Jr. was, his brother, the Honorable John McClary was equally as patriotic. He earned the public trust and was member of the New Hampshire Governor’s Council; he was also elected to the New Hampshire State Senate. He was a principled leader and was always concerned with the religious welfare of his community. He built a beautiful home on the Hill in which he raised his family and entertained friends. As far as I know, John wasn’t a Freemason, but he would have made a good one! John had a son named John who died at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777; he also had a son named Michael.

Michael McClary was born in 1753 in Epsom – in the big house up on the Hill. At age 23, he was appointed an ensign in Captain Henry Dearborn’s Company in John Stark’s Regiment, and also fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in the 3^rd New Hampshire Regiment. After leaving the Army he helped form the government of the State and held the office of Adjutant General for 21 years. He held nearly every town office in Epsom and was elected to the State Senate in 1796. He married Sally Dearborn, daughter of Dr. Henry Dearborn of North Hampton in 1779.

In the large and inviting McClary Homestead built by his father, Michael would entertain General Washington’s Revolutionary officers on the 4th of July. This organization that he was instrumental in founding was known then, and is still today called the Society of the Cincinnati. Michael was a good man and a patriot, a high profile citizen and always a generous host.

The Manchester Union Leader wrote in 1893 these words of the McClary Homestead in Epsom. “The old house stands upon the very top of the hill, and is nearly hidden from view by the lombardy poplars and willows that grow by the side of the lane leading up to it. Just at the turn of the road, on the left, is the ancient willow that grew out from the little twig used for a riding whip by the bride of John McClary. The venerable mansion has a history more genuinely interesting than often attached to buildings of even legendary fame. In it great men have been born and lived; in its dining hall famous men have sat at the board; in its chambers distinguished statesmen, jurors and heroes have slept; before the wide fireplace in the reception room have gathered the wit and beauty of a time when men were strong and women fair and wine was red. No wonder that the echoes of long lost and forgotten music are said to return at night when darkness and silence reign. Alone in the great guest chamber one might fancy he had for companions the shades of Daniel Webster, Josiah Mason, General Sullivan and other distinguished men, who have in other days slept within its walls. When the Hon. John McClary built this house in 1740, he built as though he anticipated the momentous events that were to follow; spacious rooms and well appointed apartments that might accommodate meeting patriots or Freemasons and at the same time have all the comforts and even luxuries of a gentleman’s home.”

When you go to Concord next time, take a detour over to McClary Hill. It’s a beautiful place. As the Union Leader said, “The wide foreground of the landscape is enriched by cultivated fields and comfortable farmhouses. In the middle distance lies the quiet and fertile valley of the Suncook, while away beyond the encircling range of foothills rises the blue summit of Kearsarge.”

We remember today the family McClary from Epsom, and we honor their distinguished and patriotic service in the War of Independence and in the development and management of our state. And we fondly remember them as Masons! Yes; Andrew McClary Jr. and his nephew Michael McClary were members of St. John’s Lodge No. 1, as was Michael’s father-in-law, Dr. and Brother Henry Dearborn.

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